Month: March 2017

In my previous blog last June I wrote about delivering a scheme that enhances the local environment and its natural resources and reflects the needs of the local community.

So what do I mean by “natural resources”…

Our natural resources are at the heart of everything we do. They include the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the plants and soil that provide our most basic needs, including food, energy and security. They help us to reduce flooding, improve air quality and supply materials for construction. They provide a home for a variety of wildlife, and give us iconic landscapes to enjoy, which boosts our economy through tourism. They help keep us healthy too.

Unfortunately our natural resources are coming under increasing pressure – from climate change, a growing population and the need for energy production. At the same time Wales faces many other challenges: securing low-carbon energy and fuel supply, creating jobs and income, tackling poverty and inequality, flooding and drought, and improving people’s health.

But how does this all fit with the Greener Grangetown scheme, you might ask!

Well, we believe this exciting scheme shows a different approach to managing our natural resources – one that looks at the whole picture rather than focusing on single solutions or individual parts of our environment.

You will have noticed, for example, that our contractor has started to install the first set of rain gardens and kerbside planting areas. Once up and running these areas will not only help to improve local drainage, but will also enhance local biodiversity and wildlife. They will deliver important improvements to water quality in the River Taff too. The scheme will also establish 135 new trees and 1,600m2 of additional green space. These will provide new homes for wildlife and open up new opportunities for people to enjoy walking, cycling and other recreation close to where they live and work. There is overwhelming research that being closer to green space also improves people’s physical and mental well-being. At the same time, more greenery and tree planting will also mean noise and pollutants should be better absorbed, and air will be cleaner too.

I believe that the Greener Grangetown scheme will improve how we manage our natural resources. However, we want to create a legacy that creates a healthy and resilient local environment, and supports economic and social prosperity for generations to come. We hope this will enable us all to tackle local challenges a lot better.